Comments on: On Optimism

By: Amie

Amie — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:00:14 +0000

You live with the uncertainty that the rest of us try to deny in our everyday lives; at any time, any of us could die. No parent (or anyone for that matter) wants to stare that knowledge in the face each day. I think when people say “everything will be fine,” they’re really trying to tell themselves that their own worlds won’t come crashing down on them at any moment. Saying “everything will be fine” is an act of faith that the spinning plates of God are more than a random accident waiting to happen, that there’s meaning and good in everything that happens. I don’t think saying everything will be fine is truly meant to mean that you’ll get the best outcome you personally wish for. They just want to convey to you some kind of support and have no idea how to address something so large and overwhelming to them. I don’t know you, but I hope and wish and pray for you that everything will be fine ….whatever fine may be.

Amie

PS: Your kiddos are both so gorgeous, and you are amazing. Thank you for sharing.

By: Rosemary DesIsLes

Rosemary DesIsLes — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 19:54:46 +0000

Jane,

I know somewhat the feeling of not being sure if our prayers will be answered. As a little girl without a father in the home. I grew up scared because of the uncertainty. I think because of that, when things have gone wrong, I have in the past been afraid it is only going to end up “badly”. What I have learned is to lean on GOD. He had shown me over and over again that I don’t have to be afraid and that HE will take care of me, you Ramona.. and the whole clan. And most of the time what I was afraid of dosen’t happen.

Love Aunt Ro

By: Liz

Liz — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:22:27 +0000

Jane-

I found your site through the ivillage mama’s board. While I don’t pretend to understand you just because I also feared for my baby’s life, I do know that people said unfoundedly optimistic or just plain stupid things to me too. I’ve thought about it a lot and I think the reason it is so annoying is that it is dismissive of the specific realities of your particular situation, and it denies you the opportunity to speak honestly about it.

I always tried to tell myself that most people are just nervous and sad to see you in pain and don’t mean anything by it.

All my best wishes to you and your family.

By: Ang

Ang — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 22:48:38 +0000

Nicole I think it has more to do with the fact that I don’t watch tv all that much…well, we don’t actually get much in the way of television reception, that is…(see? I DID google it…and sorry I for doing so!)

By: kate setzer kamphausen

kate setzer kamphausen — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 20:52:21 +0000

Oh poo, I was one of those people who said “doesn’t that always happen?!?” to the adopt-then-get-pregnant scenario. Shit, that was so insensitive of me and I am sorry for it!

But I’m praying for Ramona, and all of you. Hopefully that’ll balance out the friend-books a little bit.

Every blessing.

By: Molly Pope

Molly Pope — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 20:01:31 +0000

sorry – couldn’t let this go – what’s to love about Sanjaya? His dreamy hair… what I wouldn’t do for locks like his… but yes, his voice sucks.

By: Nicole Wetzel

Nicole Wetzel — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 17:09:25 +0000

Thanks Ang,

I was feeling the same way. Do you think it could be our age?

Nicole

By: Ang

Ang — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 14:25:15 +0000

Oh my gosh…I think I would have to google Sanjaya to even know what you are all referring to…..

By: Rosemary DesIsLes

Rosemary DesIsLes — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:24:45 +0000

As for American Idol.. what a waste of time. If they are truely looking for talent, don’t depend on the teeny boopers who are voting for people like Sanjaya. There are better things to think about in this world.

By: Andy

Andy — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 04:43:14 +0000

I have more of a hate/hate thing going with Sanjaya.